- How obtuse it must look to be well-versed in Water when the intimacy of Fire has been at the forefront of the Uchiha Clan for generations. Anotsu has unlocked the ability to perform Suiton techniques, the first of his journey into the territory of the Ranton potential that lay dormant within. Though admittedly, his ability to utilize Ninjutsu of this caliber costs him a considerable amount of chakra. At the very least, the Jounin has learned how to traverse the surface of water without much effort in his studies. He is in the process of learning the intricacies of water manipulation, requiring an appropriate water source if he is to engage in mid to long range combat using its ebb and flow. With only a few techniques in his repertoire, the Uchiha has much and more to learn about the Art of the Water Release.
[attr="class","exhausted"]A lion concerns itself not with the opinions of sheep..
[attr="class","rhythm"]
❝
So often, we run from consequences. Do as you please but do it without regret.
Her words were a foundation that I intended to build upon.
"I'll leave nothing but pleasure at your lips, Lady KazeKage." She had granted me my wish, my every following thought one of action. I would leave her no more peppered with what were necessary words, offering a respectful bow and nod of my head in acknowledgement. Turning, I ambled toward the exit and yielded none until I was fully exited and back into the soaked streets of Amegakure outside of the tower. This would be no simple affair, and I would need time to piece together the seeds that would turn into the fruits of my labor. With this in mind, I vanished into obscurity, a child of the shadows that would emerge a man and a wraith. It was time to birth thought into ministration.
- Time and effort have allowed Anotsu to enhance his strength and speed, climbing to a height that allows him to stand upon a precipice of extreme strength and agility. The Uchiha has used his spare time to take up the Martial Arts, intimately versed in Jiujitsu and its Brazilian ilk. Every strike from his hands and legs are akin to that of swift hammers, his every grapple and pin reminiscent of the grip and manipulation of a boa constrictor. Anotsu has also learned self-defense in these styles, turning an opponent's physical strikes into submission and restraint. Make no mistake - the Uchiha is no stranger to leaving specifics behind and adapting to the uncertainty of his opponent's ministrations. Brute strength, slipping in and out of range with the speed of a hummingbird, is elegance in smplicity.
[attr="class","exhausted"]A lion concerns itself not with the opinions of sheep..
[attr="class","rhythm"]
❝
So often, we run from consequences. Do as you please but do it without regret.
My pawns had moved across the chessboard and afforded their king advance.
Wasting no momentum, I would take advantage of the opening. Though I moved with swift ministration, my footsteps were lighter than their previous manner. Into the maw of uncertainty we went, intruding upon the undisturbed remains of lives long gone or departed. There was a meticulous method in my observation. Every nook and cranny, even if for a breath, was surveyed before I could proceed. The dilapidated building held an odor that took moments to adjust to, though it was the least of my concerns as I stopped momentarily here and there to skim parchment and foreign object alike. I knew not whether scribble or symbol would offer insight as to our whereabouts. Regardless, I needed to keep pursuit of our quarry 'lest they were given time to recuperate. Along wood and rug I stepped lightly, the years of my stealth training coming to fruition in concealing my presence - as much as one adorned in pristine white could be. The shadows welcomed me, blanketed my form as I sank into obscurity.
And then the bell, announcing its presence and screaming into the atmosphere with audible superiority. Once I had spied the impact point of our earlier combined efforts, it took but a moment for me to take up kinetic energy and create an angular descent toward the source. Quietly, quickly, I crouched and allowed my left hand to hover near my item pouch. Its twin sought the scroll near the stairs, attempting to pilfer the item without my presence detected. If successful, reconnaissance would climb to the precipice of priority. If our aggressor was here, we could be certain that it would attempt to use the unknown to home-field advantage.
[attr="class","exhausted"]A lion concerns itself not with the opinions of sheep..
[attr="class","rhythm"]
❝
So often, we run from consequences. Do as you please but do it without regret.
We had been successful in our attempt.
I observed the scene before me with meticulous detail, watching as our quarry fell from the heavens and made contact with a distant structure. It was the likes of which I was unfamiliar, prompting my approach to be one of caution. Before I could issue further command to the shinobi that aided me, however, a familiar face and voice brought a modicum of comfort to my spirit. "Chinetsu," I began with a nod of respect, "Your timing is impeccable." His contribution to my instruments of distraction had turned them into destruction. I would not waste the advantage with belabored moments. There was now the matter of smaller creatures rising from the depths of where our aggressor now lay, robbing us of the opportunity to close the proximity betwixt us. "As you say," I replied to the Medic's command.
The swarm of creatures that peppered our destination spread out in attempt to thwart our advance. What bodies grew closer were assaulted with fang and wing alike, intent upon maintaining a protective barrier. The well that rest at their flank was now my desire, and I had already formulated the ministrations required to seize our forward march. Unaware if disease or particular control rest among them, I would test the waters with concussive grenades. From my pouches did I pull a twin pair, the pads of my fingertips pressing hard against the pins to give them transition from dormant to active. "Keep your distance," I said aloud as I threw my projectiles forward with expertise. Spread wide enough to birth a great area of effect, the grenades vanished into the swarm before exploding. With them, a force great enough to separate and dismantle their efforts rang out into the twisted scene of flame and debris. "Assault from long range only."
How nimble these small creatures were, distracting and diverting the intentions of some of the shinobi who attempted to aid in our conquest. I was sure to evade what creatures invaded my personal space, the flat of my kunai used to strike those that sought my flesh. "We're unaware if they carry contagion or otherwise. Clear a path to the well and secure it. Our main priority is still acquiring resources."
"Divert all Suiton use to disabling the enemy barrier preventing the advance of our allies." I, myself, would seek to continue the path toward assaulting the rider and its mount. Chaos and turmoil at my flank, I'd leave no stone unturned, leave nothing to chance in protecting and saving the lives of our innocent. With a steeled resolve, I waved my allies forward as I took point and carefully moved inward toward the shrine. Its beauty marred by death and decay at its outer rim, we would seek to preserve what was left of its integrity.
[attr="class","exhausted"]A lion concerns itself not with the opinions of sheep..
[attr="class","rhythm"]
❝
So often, we run from consequences. Do as you please but do it without regret.
"Your ineptitude is noted," I began.
The life and way of a shinobi required a keen observation. To have misread a situation of such casual nature meant death for one so untrained. "I'm responsible for the entirety of the village. Such consistency means that I've walked in plain sight, and my attire has never changed. A Genin worth the headband they've been given would have taken notice. And now you put on a poor display for one that doesn't come from Amegakure. Thankfully, we are not the sum of your ignorance." One might have surmised that my reprimand would have differed in the face of a foreigner - they were gravely mistaken. I treated my Platoon with the same challenge to critically think. Koma. Daichi. Aiko. Ryuu. Their scolding would have been much the same.
I allowed the shift in conversation with no sign of emotional or facial change, watching as the young boy before me became more forthcoming as every bite of sustenance was taken. And then there were handseals - or a lack thereof - that display a novice's skill in manipulating Suiton - a curious matter. "What brings you to this place, Kakesu the Lesser?" I asked the boy without reservation present in my question. "At the very least, we should seek a warmer setting." I pointed to the distance toward a ramen shop, its open doors showing that it was mostly vacant. Save a few patrons dining at private booths, it was easy to surmise that we would be served immediately.
The population of the streets had thinned enough to leave them an opening. Though he'd devoured sandwiches and water, I would offer him a bowl of broth to further cement his health and wellness.
[attr="class","exhausted"]A lion concerns itself not with the opinions of sheep..
[attr="class","rhythm"]
❝
So often, we run from consequences. Do as you please but do it without regret.
She was more than worthy of her position.
I had never doubted the fact, but it was her transparency that struck the chord of respect. Just as she had, I listened intently and allowed no interruption to force my gaze elsewhere. There was an objective beauty about Lord Kazekage Shinko. She was as much a viper as I, cunning but forthcoming to those she respected. Immediately, I answered her. "Your trust being placed in my hands will ensure that it's neither sullied or compromised, Lady KazeKage. I'll need to look to you for initial funding, but the rest will be done with my own secured resources. I've begun a draft of the vetting process for you, though it's addressed and formatted to leave no trace of it leading back to you. As far as anyone is concerned, there's simply a benefactor that would see Amegakure thrive."
I had left nothing to chance. To spearhead this gathering of likeminded individuals would be a pursuit I would fully invest in, my confidence even greater now that she had heard my proposal. "I am fit to lead the Kuro Nue." The "Black Chimera", a beast of different heads and yet a strength, flexibility, and adaptability unmatched. I had established the foundation, the birthplace of one of Amegakure's greatest powers. And not even Iwagakure would find its stones fit to stand against the waves of my resolve.
"That is all for my report and request, Lady Kazekage."
I waited to be dismissed, statuesque and attentive to both statement and command alike if she so chose to express them.
(tagged)⏤ Osore, Shinko (notes)⏤ The Kuro Nue Lives.
[attr="class","exhausted"]A lion concerns itself not with the opinions of sheep..
[attr="class","rhythm"]
❝
So often, we run from consequences. Do as you please but do it without regret.
Far be it from me to deny the dreams of the youth.
The scene unfolding before me was one of subtle chaos, my ability to reply to the boy's words pilfered and replaced with an implication the likes of which I had never received. Astonishment was twofold, her observation and his lack thereof forcing the swallow I'd engaged to rob me of its smooth transition. Immediately, I coughed with such force that I was rendered immobile. "Wh-what!?" I choked out, my eyes falling shut as the flesh of my fist beat hard against my torso. Surely, this child looked nothing like me. The scrutiny of those before me spoke of the wisdom beyond my years. Never, however, had I been charged with the fatherhood to any child of Amegakure. Had my sexual escapades born a fruit that I wasn't privy to?
I shook the thought from my head, slowly but surely standing to full height and coughing into the sleeve of my garb until I could adequately communicate. All too content to welcome deceit for the price of a meal, I gave an incredulous look and sigh at the pair. "The boy is no kin to me," I stated matter-of-factly. "I'm Anotsu, a Jounin of this village. Your inability to recognize me tells me that you're either inobservant or not acclimated to the faces of Ame." I spoke more to the third of the group, the young stranger before me occupied with what looked to be a seemingly voracious appetite.
Still, I could not deny that her kindness was a stark contrast to the usual treatment of beggar and wanderer alike. To that end, I'd hold no reservation about her character. "I'd come to greet him. I know the faces in Amegakure. His isn't one of regular sight," I finished with a nod. "What's your name, young one?" I asked the hungry stranger.
A hand lofted to push the obsidian of my locks backward. If this interaction was indication, I'd stepped into far more than my greeting had bargained for.
[attr="class","exhausted"]A lion concerns itself not with the opinions of sheep..
[attr="class","rhythm"]
❝
So often, we run from consequences. Do as you please but do it without regret.
As the marionette was commanded to dance, so too would my quarry.
His bravado bounced harmlessly from my chest, such predictable words earning no quarter or purchase in my thoughts as I continued to gauge the strength of his defenses. Much to my expectations, Ichinose had turned his attention toward the senbon that had been thrown in his direction. How committed he was, the pride of his Ninjutsu worn proudly upon his sleeve. Unfortunately, my prey had taken the bait - I intended to reel him in. As I watched my metal needles scatter to the wind, one may have thought me regretful of their inadequacy. But they had served their purpose well, affording me the advantage I had sought. I intended to seize opportunity with eager hands.
Without warning, I increased my speed to its greatest extent. Ichinose had called upon the Wind Release, beckoning a breath with which to thwart my offensive measures. No sooner than when my aggressor began to manifest breath, I was already in transition. It was an impressive feat to watch Fuuton tear asunder the gaia before it, whipping about with violent proportion. But it mattered little when its target had relinquished its home in harm's way. My feet were no longer bound to the earth beneath me - a powerful burst of kinetic energy saw me ascended, angular in my travel and spinning with practiced control. From my alternate extremity did the combination of kunai and exploding tag come forth, a lethal accuracy invested as they were thrown toward Ichinose's form.
I could feel the outer perimeter of his Ninjutsu, the loose places of my attire dancing wildly behind me as I seemingly hovered just outside of his Drilling Air Bullet's range. Betwixt his defensive structures the kunai spun. If successful, he would find his immediate proximity invaded, compromised. A single handseal as my feet touched earth once more. In its wake, an explosion aimed to remove the traitorous shinobi's head. Should I have failed to do so, residual damage would be just as appreciated. The explosion of the Renkudan would only serve to increase my momentum, forcing me forward. The soles of my feet skid hard along the terra beneath me, my form balanced as the explosion engulfed his line of sight to my position. Back into the forestry I ran, vanishing beneath the canopy of foliage to formulate the next phase in my plans.
Dead or alive, I would continue on, the judge, jury, and executioner to his crimes.
[attr="class","exhausted"]A lion concerns itself not with the opinions of sheep..
[attr="class","rhythm"]
❝
So often, we run from consequences. Do as you please but do it without regret.
The genesis of my time in Amegakure had built a certain ability to distinguish between the familiar and the foreign.
In this case, it had been the figure draped in clothing hardly fit for preservation against the elements. "Are you sure you won't have another?" I heard as my head turned to a degree in a minute effort of observation. An empty bowl, once filled to the brim with wasabi shoyu, sat before me with discarded chopsticks sitting lifelessly inside. "No. Thank you," I replied, offering the chef a shake of my head. Casually, I slid a hand into my pocket to retrieve an amount of ryo. "Don't insult me, Anotsu-san," the elder restaurant owner chuckled. "I imagine that you're around these parts more often than we know. Shady characters walked around here freely, stealing and taking things without any consideration. Now, though, every petty thief we got familiar with has up and vanished. I suspect you have something to do with that."
An almost inaudible exhalation through my nostrils. "I do my duty. No more, no less." The chef's fingers lofted to scratch at his neck, weary eyes peering out and into the gathering of people. "You've been around a long time, Anotsu. Just continue to pay it forward. Take care of the people like I'm taking care of you." I'd no time to argue the matter. Little glory was found in the assignment of my protective detail. Denying the pursuit of insistence, I nodded and stood to my feet. "Thank you," I said with a dip of my chin. Into the seemingly perpetual rain I ambled, my familiarity with even the nooks and crannies of Amegakure allowing me to close the distance that had grown with time between myself and the stranger present a short time ago.
My approach was one that he could see from a distance away. The pristine white of my garb offered him view of my gait, though I altered my course and made an angular maneuver to greet him indirectly. Beneath the awning I stood, a few meters away from the young individual as I turned and pressed my back to the establishment that it belonged to.
"There are few days where it doesn't rain like this. On those days, the magic of the stalls is far greater."
[attr="class","exhausted"]A lion concerns itself not with the opinions of sheep..
[attr="class","rhythm"]
❝
So often, we run from consequences. Do as you please but do it without regret.
My efforts had not been in vain, the exodus from the hospital testament to the plan that I had set in motion to my acquaintances.
A canopy of smog veiled my departure from the perch upon which I surveyed the battlefield. I needed to initiate the second of my machinations, my eyes bearing witness to the seemingly endless wave of rotted flesh and malicious intent designed to impede our progress. I knew better than to exert the bulk of my ministrations toward the pawns. No - I sought their knights, their kings, their queens. To that end, I would move across the board with efficiency at my flank. I would leave the riffraff to the infantry.
Still in observation of those around me, a familiar audible drew my attention to the skies above. There was still the matter of bringing down the source of our peril, an otherworldly creature with its master thwarting our attempts to eliminate his aerial advantage. My steady, meticulous attention to details had transitioned from thought to action. From my pouch, I retrieved a multitude of senbon that fit betwixt the webbing of nimble digits. "Quickly - projectiles at the main target. Wide spread!" My words were calm, collected, yet stated with urgency. All of my strength was utilized as I sweeped my arms in wide motions, unleashing my senbon in tandem with the Raiton Ninjutsu conjured by the stealthy shinobi nearby. Those who could follow suit did just so, a wave of metal glint and barely audible whistle heralding a storm of various tools designed to pepper my quarry.
Through pillars of flame and smoke we attacked, but it was not my intention to strike the grotesque form of beast or rider. It was only meant to distract, denying our host of chaos ample time to recover from the expenditure of its energy intervals before. Whether our efforts had found purchase or not in the hide, the flesh of our aggressors, I would split my attention between eyeing their whereabouts and searching for yet another water source. I darted through alley and main ground alike, varying the height and depth of my reconnaissance to seek out another water supply with which to defend our position. Perhaps, I surmised, we could even afford our greatest Suiton users the opportunity to join in our offensive efforts.
I would not utilize my ocular power just yet. The Sharingan was still fresh to my knowledge, my repertoire, but I would only unleash this scarlet gift at the behest of necessity.
[attr="class","exhausted"]A lion concerns itself not with the opinions of sheep..
[attr="class","rhythm"]
❝
So often, we run from consequences. Do as you please but do it without regret.
The entirety of my form yet steeled against earth, I bore down upon ivory daggers as a small multitude of rocks battered and beat against my extremities.
I could no longer bear the power of the Sharingan. Its tax upon my chakra too great, I dismissed the ocular power from my vision and reserved the last vestiges of my strength to peer out and into the distance. The laughter and dialogue that boomed forward throughout the vicinity forced my undivided attention. Worth was one of my own. I stood to full height and cast my gaze upon Daichi, nodding slightly as my Platoon's voices rang through into my radio. "Indeed. Fall back, all of you. Once you've created an appropriate distance, return to Amegakure at once. Make sure that none follow you or can track the main route back."
I brushed my clothing, my attire dirtied and sullied with the evidence of a war waged against beast. A hand lofted to brush my locks back, my eyes cast to the heavens in silent homage. We had survived to see the aftermath of our battle, though there were some who had not been so fortunate. I had no time to linger upon the souls lost, however. Confirming their identities to the best of my ability, I ambled toward Daichi and listened to the intent of his words. A noble speech of sorts, to be sure. My palm pressed to his shoulder as I looked down at him. "You've done well. We leave now."
Turning upon my heel, I delayed the moment no longer. A watchful gaze upon the entirety of Amegakure's children held, I sped forward with an adequate speed and vanished into the protection of the wilds. Amegakure awaited me, and there was much to report to the KazeKage.
[attr="class","exhausted"]A lion concerns itself not with the opinions of sheep..
[attr="class","rhythm"]
❝
So often, we run from consequences. Do as you please but do it without regret.
I had found purchase in my attempt to distance Ichinose from the remainder of his team.
Years of training, honing my Taijutsu's prowess, had afforded me the immediate halt upon watching handseals performed. A modicum of caution practiced, I would take the time to create further fortification against the unknown where others may have simply watched in awe. Ever moving was the lion, my hands pushed into the veil of my garb to hide my ministrations from my opponent. Carelessly, he revealed his thoughts - his motives - to my ears. Information that I would etch upon the tablet of my memory as I viewed the fruits of his handseals and their labor. From nothingness did the spheres rise, encircling my prey protectively. Heat began to creep upon me, tendrils of warmth lapping at my epidermis. Already, I was dissecting every aspect of the spectacle before me. Already, I was formulating the plot that would leave the tapestry of his assumed victory tattered and torn.
"The opinions of the dead are useless to me," I stated, my hands yet in my pouches. Nimble digits worked tirelessly, senbon fitted betwixt fingers and fitting within the confines of my skin's webbing. "The excuses of the unworthy are mother to cowardice. You'll be tossed as chaff to the wind." I would further the ambition of my actions, a single hand angularly thrusting forward as I propelled myself east. I would not reveal the full extent of my speed to Ichinose. He had been privy to my earlier projectiles, warranting distance and observation.
The senbon released from my fingers, four in number, were thrown with a wide spread between them. Perfectly they were aimed, perfectly they spun - minute in detail though they were - with lethal proficiency. Aimed at his torso, I silently watched and kept my appendage's twin yet hidden from view. Gaia beneath me vibrated heavily with my footsteps, varying in intensity. I would keep my quarry at an appropriate distance. He would find that Amegakure's best was a viper beneath emerald blades.
